These are just a few instances of how
Judges in the West, particularly the USA are venturing beyond
conventional jurisprudence to dole out innovative punishments. Its
scope may be limited to first time offenders of non-violent crimes
(theft, burglary), or victimless crimes (gambling, possession of
drugs), or white collar crimes (cheating, bribe taking). But the
public humiliation the convict faces is far more degrading and
disciplining than a prison term.

Call them 'alternative', 'reformatory',
'public shaming', or 'Scarlet Letter' sentences. The perception is
that apart from being effective deterrents against criminal intents,
they also shield first time offenders from hardened criminals in
prison.

Think of a situation where the
offenders do not get to enjoy ill-gotten wealth! Where they are
treated as social pariahs for the rest of their lives! Where they
don't ride back on the society's forgetfulness into public life?

What do you think? Would such
punishments work in India? Remember we are talking about first time
offenders of non-violent crimes.

Wednesday, 5 February 2014

The election in India to the 16th Lok Sabha, House of the people or the lower house of Parliament, is due in April/May this year. With just three months to go for what is universally described 'the world’s largest democratic exercise', here are some thoughts:

The pre-election political scene is thick with allegations and counter allegations. Mudslinging is a daily routine. The past is being reinvented to justify the present. If you are an apolitical observer, you will wonder if this is an attempt to deflect public attention away from real issues.

In the ongoing campaigns, not once has a debate been held on issues of public relevance or significance. Until now, there hasn't been an expression of any serious intent to solve the numerous problems the nation is facing. No plan or programme worth its value has been presented to help visualise what life would be like in the next five or ten years.

As the people battle it out against all odds, the adverse effects of a failing economy are beginning to catch up. Owning a house is beyond the common man's reach now. Education and health-care cost a fortune. Electricity and water charges are unreasonably exorbitant. Cooking gas and automobile fuel give jitters. It costs a lot to live today!

Yet, there is hope that real issues would be debated and remedial actions initiated. If anyone seeking to become an elected representative still has difficulties in identifying the many concerns, here is a ready list. Even if a third of these are addressed sincerely and honestly in the next five years, India would well be on its way to become a super power.